After seeing Mt. Ryozen on the ride to the Gongendani Forest Road I introduced in my blog recently, I’ve felt a growing desire to go on a "BikeToHike" adventure—riding my bike as far as I can and then hiking the rest of the way to the summit.
Just as that thought was taking root, I saw a social media post from an acquaintance who was doing exactly that on Mt. Ryozen. I reached out, and we immediately set a date for the excursion. Since then, my head has been spinning with ideas about what to wear and a carousel of different items I could pack.
At Circles, we carry various outdoor brands, including Yamatomichi, PATAGONIA, HOUDINI, NORRONA, and ACLIMA. With each brand offering such attractive and highly functional gear, it’s hard to narrow down the choices, but in this blog, I’d like to introduce the items I’m most excited to wear and try out. Hopefully, this will help me organize my thoughts as well.
【PATAGONIA】
M’s Capilene Air Hoody
PRICE : ¥20,350 (tax included)
COLOR : Sandhill Rust, Dark Borealis Green, Black
SIZE : XS, S, M, L
Above all, the base layer is what matters
The base layer is clearly the most important piece of gear. It’s common knowledge that whether you’re hiking or cycling, the layer in direct contact with your skin is the most critical. It’s essential not only for keeping you warm in cold winter conditions but also for how it manages the sweat you inevitably generate while moving your body.
The most advanced base layer in Patagonia’s history
The Capilene Air Hoody is the most advanced base layer in Patagonia’s history, featuring a soft touch and natural stretch that moves with your body. The blend of 51% merino wool and 49% recycled polyester offers excellent thermal retention, even when wet. It also boasts great odor resistance, providing comfort even if worn for consecutive days.
It’s seamless and knitted in 3D, which minimizes irritation against the skin and eliminates excess fabric during the manufacturing process.
The hood covers your head to help retain heat around your head and neck.
While I haven’t used it in the field yet, my first impression when trying it on was how incredibly soft and warm it feels.
As a merino wool enthusiast, this is one piece I definitely want to try out.
*Height: 170cm, Weight: 60kg / Size worn: M’s XS
【PATAGONIA】
M’s R1 Air Crew
PRICE : ¥13,200 (tax included)
COLOR : Multi Brown, Crater Blue, Black
SIZE : XS, S, M, L
Since I often wear merino wool products and insulated gear, I actually don’t own much fleece, but this is one I’m eager to try on.
A fleece made from 100% recycled polyester hollow-core yarn
The M’s R1 Air Crew is a 100% recycled polyester fleece made with hollow-core yarn in a unique zigzag weave. It is significantly lighter than standard fleeces of similar thickness and provides excellent moisture wicking, quick-drying performance, and breathability even during high-intensity activity.
Its casual look is part of its charm
The left chest pocket is convenient for storing small items, but it’s also a crucial element that makes it easy to wear as casual clothing in daily life. Without this pocket, I might not be able to imagine wearing it around town.
Its overall aesthetic and the lightness that anyone would notice immediately upon picking it up are big reasons why I want to wear it.
*Height: 170cm, Weight: 60kg / Size worn: M’s XS
【HOUDINI】
All Weather T-Neck
PRICE : ¥24,200 (tax included)
COLOR : Baremark Green, Black
SIZE : W’s S/M’s XS, W’s M/M’s S, W’s L/M’s M, W’s XL/M’s L
Have you ever felt cold in your shoulders while wearing a sleeveless base layer or an insulated/down vest when the weather turns chilly? I’ve felt that many times, and that’s where this T-shirt-shaped piece provides the warmth and peace of mind I’m looking for.
A highly functional insulated jacket
The All Weather T-Neck is effectively an insulated jacket in a T-shirt style that perfectly covers your shoulders. The outer fabric is C9 Ripstop™ with a water-repellent finish, and it’s insulated with lightweight, warm PrimaLoft® Gold Active+. It offers excellent breathability, quick-drying properties, and wind resistance to keep you comfortable in a variety of situations.
The convenience of a T-shirt design
When layered over a base or mid-layer, it covers the core of your upper body, and it’s lighter and less bulky than a long-sleeved insulated jacket.
Because it has no front zipper or hood, it’s easy to layer under an outer shell, making it great for mountaineering, snow activities, camping, or daily life—any situation where you need an extra layer of warmth. It features pockets on both sides and a drawcord at the hem for fit adjustment.
It is available in unisex sizing.
*Height: 170cm, Weight: 60kg / Size worn: W’s M/M’s S
Of course, there are plenty of other things I’m interested in, but I’ve introduced the three items that I’m most eager to "wear and try out" right now.
With the sudden onset of cold weather, I know many of you are wondering what you should be wearing, so please consider adding these to your options.
If you asked me if I’ve organized my thoughts, I feel like the end result is just that my desire to buy more gear has increased…
